Page 27 of Madness

ME: Around 7? Thanks so much!

Almost immediately, my phone rings. It's Shannon.

"Spill," she says as soon as I answer. "Who's the guy?"

I can hear the mix of excitement and concern in her voice. "It's not... I mean..." I stammer, unsure how to explain Dakota.

"Lauren," Shannon's voice softens. "Is it that musician from the diner? The one you were telling me about?"

I sigh. "Yeah, it's Dakota. He wants to go to a movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club."

There's a pause on the other end. "Are you sure about this? I mean, with everything going on... the nursing school, me moving out soon, and isn't he going on tour?"

Her questions mirror my own doubts. "I know, I know. It's complicated. But... I don't know, Shan. Maybe I deserve one night of not overthinking everything?"

Shannon chuckles softly. "You? Not overthinking? That'll be the day." Her tone grows serious again. "Just be careful, okay? And have fun. You do deserve it."

As I hang up, I feel a mix of gratitude for Shannon's support and anxiety about the decision ahead. I pick up my phone again, staring at Dakota's message. The responsible thing would be to say no. To focus on Roman and school and work. But haven't I been responsible for so long? Don't I deserve one night?

My fingers hover over the keypad. Yes or no. Future or present. Head or heart.

I take a deep breath and start typing.

ME: A movie under the stars sounds amazing. What time?

My heart races as I hit send. Dakota's reply comes almost instantly:

DAKOTA: Great! Movie starts at 8:30. I can pick you up at 7ish?

I glance at the clock. That gives me just enough time to get ready after Shannon gets home.

ME: Sounds perfect. See you then.

There's a pause before his next message appears:

DAKOTA: Can't wait. It'll be nice to escape for a while, just the two of us.

I feel a flutter in my stomach at his words. Then, another text:

DAKOTA: Oh, and wear something warm. It gets chilly up there at night.

His thoughtfulness makes me smile. I'm about to reply when he sends one more message:

DAKOTA: And Lauren? Thanks for saying yes. I know things are complicated right now.

I stare at the screen, touched by his understanding. After a moment, I respond:

ME: Thanks for asking. I think we both could use a little escape.

As I set my phone down, I feel both excitement and nervousness. This is really happening. A date with Dakota. A night for myself.

I look over at the pile of college paperwork and then at Roman, who is still napping peacefully. For a moment, guilt threatens to overshadow my excitement. But I push it aside. One night. I can have one night.

Can’t I?

With a deep breath, I stand up. Time to get ready for a movie under the stars.

16

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